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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Hollywood
Forever Cemetery
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By Sophia
Mitchell |
Only in
Hollywood can a cemetery be a sacred resting space but
also be a tourist attraction and a venue for cultural
events. Hollywood Forever Cemetery, which used to be known
as Hollywood Memorial Park, is a functioning cemetery
that is the final resting place of the more of Hollywood’s
founders than any other place on the world. It is also
one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles.
The cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic
Sites. If you live in the Los Angeles area or are planning
a trip to Hollywood, a visit to Hollywood Forever Cemetery
is a unique addition to your itinerary.
The cemetery was founded in 1899 on 100 acres. Later,
the cemetery sold off some tracts to Hollywood Paramount
Studios, which was built on the back half of the original
cemetery property. A portion of the cemetery is set aside
as the Beth Olam cemetery, which is a dedicated Jewish
burial ground, is the final resting place from Hollywood’s
Jewish community.
This cemetery was popular with many of the founders of
Hollywood’s largest studios, as well as directors,
performers and writers. Hundreds of famous early Hollywood
stars are buried here, such as Jayne Mansfield, Rudolph
Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, and more.
Cecil B. DeMille, the director of the Ten Commandments
is buried here and his large tomb depicts two matching
Egyptian-style sarcophagi. Benjamin “Bugsy”
Siegel is buried in the mausoleum on the cemetery grounds
near the Paramount Studios.
Johnny Ramone, guitar player for the Ramones, is buries
here, with his grave marker featuring a statue of him,
from the waist up, rocking out on a guitar; a fitting
memorial for punk rock powerhouse.
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Hollywood Forever Cemetery |
There was
a period when the cemetery fell into despair. However, it
was purchased in the late 1990s by a family from Missouri.
They renamed the cemetery and worked to restore and refurbish
the place. Through their investments, the cemetery was revitalized
and people, once again, came to visit the final resting
place of the stars.
People choose to visit the cemetery for a variety of reasons.
Family members come to see the resting place of their loved
ones, fans and Hollywood buffs come to see the graves of
the town’s stars and starlets. Others come just out
of curiosity or to find a quiet space in the hustle and
bustle of Los Angeles.
The cemetery includes larges grassy area, meandering roads,
a pond feature and several mausoleums. Some of the tombstones
are dramatic, featuring ornate detail, pictures and more.
The cemetery hosts events, including summer time movie showings
where movies are projected on a side of the white marble
mausoleum. People bring blankets, lawn chairs, food and
drink and take in the show. Each movie draws an average
of 3,000 people.
There are also Dia de Los Muertos festivities in late October/early
November where families artfully decorate the graves and
tombs of their deceased relatives. The Masonic Hall, which
is also at the cemetery hosts live musical events, which
often sell out.
For those of you who like ghost stories, there are many
stories of ghostly encounters. One story is that the ghost
of William Randolph Hearst is said to visit the grave of
Marion Davies, his mistress.
Some visiting the grave of Virginia Rappe, a silent film
actress, report hearing sounds of a woman sobbing, though
no one is around that is crying. These are just a few stories
of the paranormal activity that may be occurring at the
cemetery. |
Veiw of Hollywood Sign from Forever Cemetery |
Hollywood Forever Cemetery Lake |
| Planning your Visit:
Hollywood Forever is located at 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard,
just west of N. Van Ness Avenue in Hollywood. From Highway
101 take the Santa Monica Blvd (SR-2) exit and proceed west.
Cemetery hours of operation are 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, seven
days a week. Parking is free in the cemetery and there is
a small shop to purchase flowers and gifts.
If you plan to visit Hollywood Forever, please remember
that this is a cemetery and you should carry yourself in
a respectful manner during your visit. Don’t horse
play, using loud voices, running or engage in activities
that could damage grave sites or markers or be disruptive
to other visitors.
Motion picture historian Karie Bible leads a walking tour
through the cemetery on Wednesday and Saturdays, or you
can wonder around the cemetery for free. Bring along sunscreen,
a hat, a light jacket for weather changes and some water.
Plan on spending about one hour at Hollywood Forever cemetery,
leaving plenty of time for checking out the rest of Hollywood's
attractions. |
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| Nearby
Los Angeles Attractions: |
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Hollywood
City Pass see
all the attractions for one low price. Starline
Tours, Madame Tussauds plus more. |
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Beverly
Hills located
in the heart of LA is the epitome of wealth and
style. Visit Rodeo Drive and Greystone Mansion. |
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Hollywood
Day Trip there
so much to see and do in its a great day trip destination
for both tourists and locals. |
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Madame
Tussauds experience the real glamour
and elegance of Hollywood and “meet”
the famous and infamous |
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